Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal Music Review

Movie: Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal

Music: Radhan

Director: Vishal Venkat

Cast: Ashok Selvan, Nasser, Riythvika, Reyaa, Manikandan

Vizhi Pesum opens the album on a warm note. It is a breezy romantic duet that's perfect for montage sequences between the lead pair. It is so good to hear Chinmayi sing in her nightingale voice. Her vocals have been rendered the double effect which is quite beautiful. Haricharan's rendition feels like honey to the ears. The interludes and background are replete with guitar strums, subtle piano notes, ukulele, and flute. Next up is the philosophical Yaar Vazhiyil in the voice of Dhanush. The song is reminiscent of Ulaginil Miga Uyaram from Naan. Radhan uses minimal instruments making it a simple yet thought-provoking song. Read our full song review here.

Un Pirivu begins with a lilting piano section. The song is a moving heartbreak number with RJ Vijay's poignant lyrics. Sooraj Santosh emotes well with his classy rendition. The string section in the interlude is radiantly arranged. Short, yet sweet! 

The last song in the album is Unakkaagave, a feel-good song that oozes warmth all over. Sathyaprakash is always a delight to listen to. Maathevan's lyrics effuse positivity and would make you feel good about yourself. The interlude is peppered with scintillating piano and veena along with some amazing string progression. And the specialty of the number is the long outro towards the end of the song. The last time we heard such a long outro was in Rehna Tu. This outro is dotted with mesmerizing swarajathis and humming.

Verdict: Radhan belts out such a soulful album that you'd want to listen to it repeatedly. The album has an old-school charm that can induce nostalgia in you.

Rating: 5/5

Picks: The whole album! 

Listen to the album here:

Yaar Vazhiyil - Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal Single Review

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal is an upcoming Tamil film directed by Naveena Saraswathi Sabadham fame Vishal Venkat. The movie has an ensemble cast - Ashok Selvan, Nasser, Riythvikaa, Abi Hassan, Reyaa, Manikandan, Anupama Kumar, Anju Kurian, and more. Produced by Trident Arts, the movie has music by Radhan, who has composed music for popular movies like Andala Rakshasi, Arjun Reddy, and Adithya Varma.

Yaar Vazhiyil starts with a mellowed rhythm that veers into the soul-searching mode with Dhanush's rendition. The song sounds more or less like an Ilaiyaraaja number. Radhan weaves a heartrending tune that is tailor-made for a singer like Dhanush. The ebullient female chorus 'Idhuvum kadandhu pogum...' gives the song a magical touch. 

Snehan's lyrics are so poignant that you will be quoting the lines long after listening to the song. Once in a while, such tracks are needed to slow down the pace of our hurried lives and make us look into ourselves.

Listen to the song here:

Mother Song - Valimai Second Single Review

There's no dearth of mother sentiment songs in Tamil cinema music. Recently we had Boomiku Nee Vandha from Jail. Now, it's Mother Song from Valimai. Yuvan Shankar Raja has already given us beautiful songs on this theme - Aarariraro, Nizhalinai Nijamum, and Amma Song. This time he takes it two notches higher by composing a heart-melting tune. 

Beginning with a moving flute section, the song engages a slight rhythm to set the mood. Listening to Sid Sriram croon this number in his elegant voice is pure bliss. Everything about this song is so pleasing. Especially, Vignesh Shivan's lyrics would drive everyone to tears. Every line is quotable and that's the true beauty of the song. The lines 'Amma en mugavari nee...Amma en mudhalvari nee...' is addictive and would surely bring a lump in your throat.

Yuvan dots the interlude with another warm flute section. Since the song has only one charanam, we will be left wanting more and more of it. If you want to gift the perfect ode to your mother, make her listen to this song.

Produced by Boney Kapoor, Valimai is one of the most anticipated films. This Ajith starrer will release on Pongal. The film also has Huma Qureshi and Sumithra playing supporting roles. The music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. This is his 8th collaboration with Ajith. Already, the first single Naanga Vera Maari turned a mass hit and is still ruling the playlists. We are sure that the entire album would be hailed as one of Yuvan's bests 

DMB Picks - Weekly Earworms 29.11.2021 - 05.12.2021

1. Meherezylaa - Maanaadu

What with the release and success of Maanaadu, we became more and more addicted to this Islamic wedding song. Ebullient beats, Yuvan's peppy singing, Bhavatharini's melodious cameo, and the Arabic chants make this number an instant winner.

2. Thala Kodhum - Jai Bhim

This rustic track with inspirational lyrics is like a warm hug to troubled hearts. The guitar strums, flute, and veena section in the interlude, and Pradeep Kumar's heavenly voice make this song sound like an Ilaiyaraaja song. Keep some tissues handy when you're listening to this.

3. Chaka Chak - Atrangi Re

This number's gonna be a staple in all the upcoming weddings. Read our review of the song to understand why we are addicted to it.

4. Thiraiyoadu Thoorigai - Radhe Shyam (Tamil)

Indian music needs such musically rich songs to keep up quality. Justin Prabhakaran and Sid Sriram seem to have been in an otherwordly state while composing and crooning this song. Read our review here. The song is also in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, and all the versions are equally beautiful.

5. Two Two Two - Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal

This song is the next Yammadi Aathadi. Sunidhi Chauhan and Sanjana Kalamanje compete with each other through their powerful voices, while Anirudh is as usual his peppy best.

6. Ilaveyil Ilaigalil - Maraikkayar Arabikadalin Singam

Though the original version of this song is in Malayalam, we love this version. Chinmayi and Sathyaprakash sound so natural that the song feels like an original Tamil composition. This one joins the bandwagon of our favourite semi-classical numbers. Composer Ronnie Raphael is a promising musician to look for.

7. Aashiqui Aa Gayi - Radhe Shyam (Hindi)

This breezy romantic ballad composed by Mithoon has become the most-streamed song. And the video of this track has crossed 34 million views. No wonder this song finds a place in our earworms list. 

8. Tum Tum - Enemy (Tamil)

A dreamy wedding song. If Meherezylaa caters to Islamic weddings, this number is perfect for Hindu weddings. Thaman's danceable beats, the addictive humming, and the repetitive 'tum tum' make this song all the more celebratory.

9. Aagoozhilae - Radhe Shyam (Tamil)

Sounding like a Yuvan Shankar Raja number, this extremely catchy romantic song brings in a whiff of nostalgia. Justin Prabhakaran's old-school tune is pleasing and is sure to be on the playlists for a long time. The song is also available in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Listen to the entire playlist here:

Jail Music Review

Movie: Jail

Music director: G.V. Prakash Kumar

Director: Vasanthabalan

Cast: G.V. Prakash Kumar,  Abarnathi,  Radhika Sarathkumar

The album begins with the effervescent Kaathodu Kaathanen in the voices of Dhanush and Aditi Rao Hydari. Right from the word go, melody oozes from every corner of the song. The track is peppered with breezy flute sections and pleasing string progression. Dhanush scores with his casual rendition while Aditi sounds like Chinmayi with her mellifluous singing. This one is a definite winner. Up next are three folk tracks with gaana elements. Pathu Kaasu, sung by G.V. Prakash, is a short ode to friendship. Nothing special in the number. It's enjoyable as long as it lasts. Mutta Parotta is the quintessential gaana song that's crooned by gaana singers Guna and Ganesan. With crass lyrics, the song is reminiscent of Deva's gaana songs and is sure to be a hit in the C-grade centers. Missah Missesah is the best of the three because it sounds better and is kinda foot-tapping. Also, female gaana singer Isaivani makes the song a lot better with her powerful rendition.  

Nagarodi is another strength of the album. Ananya Bhat sets the song on fire with her radiant voice that packs a punch with every line she sings. Arivu quips in for some classy rap, while GVP croons like a pro. The repetitive 'Nagarodi naga nagarodi...' is so catchy and addictive. Next up is Doomangoli which is high on techno beats and sounds like an electro house song with local elements in it. Arunraja Kamaraja's rendition is a plus point of the song. Though there's nothing to boast about in the number, it will be aired on the radio stations repeatedly. Boomiku Nee Vandha is a mother-son sentiment song that's high on emotion. Beginning with a mystical humming, the song is taken over by Ravi G whose voice flows seamlessly over the beautiful tune. Saindhavi pops in with her sickly sweet voice and owns the few minutes that she gets to croon. The violin in the interlude is mesmerizing and can overwhelm listeners. Snehan's heart-melting lyrics are sure to be quoted for a long time.

The album reaches its finale with two themes. A Moment of Trance has been composed on the lines of Celebration of Life from Aayirathil Oruvan. This highly danceable theme is sure to brighten up your lazy mornings. Ecstatic Folk stays true to its title. It would be mostly played during the hero's moment of achievement. The humming blends perfectly with the theme.

Verdict: Jail is an enjoyable soundtrack with a couple of melodies and a whole lot of gaana songs that'd surely cater to many youngsters.

Rating: 3/5

Picks: Kaathodu Kaathanen, Nagarodi, Boomiku Nee Vandha, A Moment of Trance

Listen to the album here:

Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Music Review

Movie: Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma

Cast: Kavin, Remya Nambeesan, Arunraja Kamaraj

Director: Shivakumar Arvind

Music director: Dharan

1. Cow Song - Simbu

Here comes a foot-tapping dappankuthu number that is sure to climb the charts in the upcoming days. It is Simbu's open-throat rendition that makes this song listenable and also the catchy line 'Maadu paal kudukkum...' is going to turn into a catchphrase. Kavin's voice-over in the interlude spices up the mood of the song. However, the changeover to house mix techno beats feels a bit out of place. Nevertheless, an enjoyable number!

2. Thookuda Collara - Mark Anthony Thomas, Dr. Burn

Dharan has tried to create a different number, but falls short in the overall execution. This westernized folk number follows the footsteps of the previous song in terms of mood and lyrics. Mark Anthony Thomas's hoarse rendition works well for the song and Dr. Burn's rap is the cherry on top of the cake. But there is this something-amiss feel throughout the song and it doesn't call for a second listen.

3. Inky Pinky Ponky - Dharan, Chorus

This short number is sure to be played in a montage sequence or as a background score in the movie. Dharan himself croons this song and he makes for a pretty good listen along with the chorus. However, the song doesn't make an impact with the listeners and can be easily skipped.

4. Andhar Bulty - Haricharan, Alisha Thomas

This romantic number begins on a lilting melody and then moves on to a slight folk tone when the male part comes in. The breezy feel is maintained throughout and Alisha Thomas's sweet voice makes it all the more mellifluous. Dharan weaves a simple heartrending melody and punctuates it with soulful piano notes and enthralling violin in the interludes. When it comes to the folk section, Haricharan renders joyfully with a rollicking feel. Modern Thanglish lyrics by Jeyachandra Hashmi will go down well with new-gen lovebirds. Perfect romantic ballad!

5. Carrom Board - Mirchi Vijay, Remya Nambeesan

Accentuated with brilliant violin sections, this racy romantic track is energetic and playful. Cheeky lyrics and the speedy orchestration are sure to work well with the youngsters and this number could find a place in the charts. Mirchi Vijay and Remya Nambeesan render well with their fruity vocals, though Remya's modulation sounds funny. The song changes into full-on folk mode towards the end. Celebrations galore!

Verdict:

Music director Dharan, who is rarely heard in the industry nowadays, comes up with a youthful album that is peppy and enjoyable. A few songs stand out, paving way for the composer to come up in the charts.

Rating: *** (3/5)

Picks:

Cow Song, Andhar Bulty, Carrom Board

Kaali Music Review

Movie: Kaali (2018)

Cast: Vijay Antony, Anjali, Sunaina

Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi

Music director: Vijay Antony

1. Arumbey - Nivas, Janaki Iyer

Vijay Antony is back to form with this mesmerizing melody that oozes love from every corner. He proves his mettle with the ebullient violin piece in the prelude and continues to weave magic in the interludes with the brilliant strings and accentuated flute pieces. Honeyed voices of Nivas and Janaki Iyer add immense value to the mellifluous tune. The base of the song reminds us of Nenjorathil from Pichaikkaran, but the comparisons end there. Gem of the album!

2. Amma Alugiren - Nivas

Like all his previous movies, Vijay Antony brings in a sentimental mother song in this movie too. The orchestration of this number is top-notch, while the tune meanders off the trail as the song progresses. This song might do better when listened along with the visuals. Nivas once again yields the megaphone and he emotes well with his mellowed rendition. What stands out in the song are the flute sections and the moving lyrics.

3. Noorai Yugam Noorai - Vedala Hemachandra, Sangeetha Rajeshwaran

A song that sounds much like Vijay Antony's Unnai Kanda Naal Mudhal song from the 2014 movie Salim. Since this one is also sung by Vedala Hemachandra, there is not a slight difference between the two songs. It is refreshing to listen to Sangeetha Rajeshwaran after a long gap. The violin and strings in the interlude spice up the romantic mood of the song. Since Vijay Antony repeats his own template, this number doesn't make that much impact. Makes for a good listen on breezy evenings.

4. Poraayo - Deepak

This song is a melancholic pathos with a sleepy pace and an easily forgettable tune. The haunting flute and string sections elevate the song and Deepak's gloomy rendition matches the mood of the number. It's a short track which is worth a listen.

Verdict:

This album begins on an amazing note and loses steam midway. However, it is good to listen to the old Vijay Antony, who used to enthrall listeners with his catchy compositions. One track from this album is sure to stay on your playlists for a long time.

Rating: **3/4   (2.75 / 5)

Picks: Arumbey

Karu Music Review

Movie: Karu

Cast: Sai Pallavi, Naga Shourya

Director: A.L.Vijay

Music director: Sam C S

1. Aalaliloo - Swagatha S. Krishnan

A heartmelting number that evokes strong emotions of motherly love. Sam C S hits the bulls-eye with this beautiful composition. He indulges various instruments like the haunting wind chimes and a concoction of strings in the interludes. The violin piece in the prelude sets the whole mood of the song. Swagatha S. Krishnan's lullaby-like sweet voice feels like honey to the ears. She sounds like singer Chinmayee in many places. Madhan Karky's lyrics are apt for the situation of the number. First gem of the album!

2. Konjali - Sathya Prakash, Neha Venugopal, JKA Shalini

Here comes a Rahman-ish wedding song. This short and sweet track has everything to become the next hit celebratory track in Kollywood. The effervescent background in the song is spiced up by the cacophony of Nadaswaram, flute and violin. Sathya Prakash's ebullient voice stands throughout, while Neha Venugopal's mellifluous tone adds to the beauty. Once again, Madhan Karky spreads his magic with his lyrics. This number might fare better with the visuals.

3. Karuve - K.S.Chitra

A gloomy and haunting melody that is sure to stay in your playlists for a long time. This highly emotional number has the astounding vocals of K.S.Chitra, who modulates her voice to a crying tone and enhances the melancholic mood of the song. One can vaguely make out the storyline of the movie with this number, as Madhan Karky's moving lyrics reveal the central theme. Sam C S scores once again with his exhilarating orchestration and the flute in the interludes are sure to evoke goosebumps in the listeners. Another pick!

4. Voice of Karu - Instrumental

This is the thematic version of the previous number. Sam C S' orchestration is top-notch here, as he plays effectively with the strings and violin. Towards the end of the instrumental, the pace picks up with some light rhythm and suddenly drops to a mellowed ending where the eerie violin, strings and flute drive the theme to an emotional finale.

5. Sound of Revenge - Instrumental

Unlike the previous theme, this is a spine-chilling composition that brings in a sense of dread with its haunting bell gongs, eerie chorus, frightening voiceover of a child and spooky orchestration. Chennai Orchestra proves their mettle once again.

Verdict:

Sam C S proves once again that he is a promising composer to look for. His songs are experimental and have a classic touch to them. Hope Kollywood gets to listen to more of his breathtaking compositions.

Rating: ***3/4   (3.75  / 5)

Picks: 

Aalaliloo, Karuve

Edhuvaraiyo - Kolamaavu Kokila (CoCo) Song Review

Kolamaavu Kokila (CoCo) is an upcoming Tamil action film. This movie is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Lyca Productions. Editing is done by Nirmal and music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Anu Vardhan is the costume designer and Magesh is the stunt choreographer. Starring Nayanthara in the lead, this movie has increased expectations, since the release of the motion poster. This movie is touted to be a female-centric movie with dark comedy elements integrated in it. Recently, the makers of this movie released a single named Edhuvaraiyo, composed by Anirudh. Let's see how the song is.

A highly situational number, Edhuvaraiyo is the perfect song that brings out the lead's mixed emotions. Going by the lyrics, it seems that this song might be placed at a crucial juncture of the film. This song has Anirudh's signature style all over it. Right from the word go, this number moves in a slow pace and gains momentum as it progresses. The orchestration is the plus point of the song. Anirudh indulges the reverberating effect with the background rhythm. Keba Jeremiah's dulcet guitar strums throughout the song enhances the overall somber mood of the number.

Sean Roldan's hoarse tone brings out the emotional feel perfectly. After Kannana Kanne from Naanum Rowdy Thaan, this song is the perfect outing for Anirudh-Sean combo. Sean renders the lyrics flawlessly, stressing upon the repetitive words to render the poignant emotion perfectly. However, it is Gautham Vasudev Menon's motivational voice-over that stands out in the entire song. The punch in the last line 'Go for it, girl' encourages every woman to follow her dreams and achieve success. Lyricist Vivek's lyrics are top-class and perfectly fit the motivational factor of the song. It is also amazing to know that this song is not rendered by a female singer to emote the lead's feelings, instead a male singer describes it wonderfully.

Edhuvaraiyo is sure to find a place in your playlists and linger there for a long time. Hope Anirudh continues the magic with the rest of the songs from the soundtrack.

Listen to the song here:

Zero Music Review - Zero Tamil movie songs review

Movie: Zero

Cast: Ashwin Kakumanu,Sshivada,JD Chakravarthy

Director: Shiv Mohaa

Music director: Nivas K.Prasanna

1.Uyire Un Uyirena-Anirudh Ravichander

The first thing that strikes you about this song is Anirudh's melodious avatar! He is simply spontaneous in emoting the heartwarming feelings associated with this number. The engaging flute bits, mellowing piano notes, mild rhythms and enthralling violin sections are Nivas K.Prasanna's signature style. The entire track is bedecked with beautiful strings that provide an enchanting aura to the tune. Has the potential to become a love anthem!

2.Veredhuvum Nijamae Illai-Haricharan

Beginning with an elegant grand piano piece, this one is yet another heartrending melody. The strength of the song lies in Haricharan's honey-dipping rendition which engulfs the listeners in utter calmness. Nivas K.Prasanna imbues a guitar section in the interlude which adds to the WOW factor of the song. Once again the flute sections rule the entire number. Soul-stirring!

3.Engae Ponai-Vijay Prakash,Neeti Mohan

Cellos! Awww, how refreshing it is to listen to a piece of soulful Cello in the prelude. Nivas offers yet another beautiful love ballad. His orchestration deserves a special applause here - the mild classical guitar section interspersed with tabla beats in the interlude. Though Vijay Prakash aptly brings out the pain element in this pathos, it is Neeti Mohan's whispery rendition that will linger on the minds of the listeners. An addictive pathos!

4.You Are In My Heart-Natalie Di Luccio

An out and out English track finds a place in the album. The euphonious voice of the Aila Aila girl Natalie Di Luccio elevates the melodiousness of the song. Especially her operatic crescendo towards the end is top class. Nivas weaves a scintillating tune which has an international feel to it because of the ebullient strings, dulcet grand piano notes and violins.

5.Indha Kadhal Illaiyel-Nivas K.Prasanna

The only fast paced track of this album. However, Nivas retains the melodic factor by yielding the megaphone by himself. His carefree singing is punctuated by a radiant chorus, a steady rhythm pattern and his trademark piano, guitar and strings. A perfect finale to the soundtrack.

Verdict:

Though Nivas K.Prasanna's previous outing Sethupathi might have been mediocre, he bounces back with an appealing soundtrack which is overloaded with soulful melodies. The album is sure to top the charts!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Uyire Un Uyirena,Veredhuvum Nijamae Illai,Engae Ponai